86th AMDS public health guides illnesses, injury prevention

Commentary by Tech. Sgt. Ireneo Alfaro 86th Aerospace Medicine Squadron

Healthy living is a long-term commitment. Merely passing your physical fitness test is not enough to prepare you for a deployment, TDY or even a simple vacation.

We are all at risk for diseases, injuries and illnesses anytime we are on the move. The 86th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health office is here to ensure your safety.

Why public health?

The public health’s mission is to ensure active duty, dependents and other military beneficiaries stay safe and healthy when traveling around the globe. At the Traveler’ s Medicine Clinic, we provide location-specific medical intelligence such as prevalent diseases information, how to prevent infection and spreading, required immunizations or medications and illness and injury prevention.

We can also provide local and international traveler’s guides covering disease prevention and health management. The Travelers’ Medicine Clinic is located in the 86th Medical Group clinic, Bldg. 2114, room 184.

How do we do it?

We gather the latest medical information and health guides from several sources, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Travax and the National Center for Medical Intelligence.

The information will include recommended or mandatory immunizations and medications for the location of your travels. Your health care provider will then assess whether  you or your family members are medically able to receive the necessary immunizations and medications.

These few simple steps can help prevent you and your loved ones from becoming sick while traveling.
Public health services are not just for active-duty members: we encourage members to bring all family members so we can ensure everyone is protected.

For more information on public health services, contact the 86th AMDS Public Health office at 479-2234 or 06371-46-2234, or email 86mdg.deploymentmedicalclearance@us.af.mil.